Green tea originated in China, but it’s caught on like wildfire across continents from Europe to North America. Chinese green tea is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Research indicates that polyphenols may have antioxidant characteristics with potential health benefits. They may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Polyphenols have also been investigated as a source of additional health benefit in organic produce. EGCG in particular, is a powerful anti-oxidant. Evidence is emerging that green tea can even help dieters. In November, 1999, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of a study at the University of Geneva in Switzerland. Researchers found that men who were given a combination of caffeine and green tea extract (EGCG) burned more calories than those given only caffeine or a placebo. Sipping on green tea may also help keep your appetite at bay because you’re sipping on a hot liquid, and filling up your stomach. The only warning is that most brands of green tea has caffeine. So if you’re sensitive to stimulants, you might want to look for caffeine free green tea, or just cut down on your daily consumption. Green tea can be purchased as a leaf, in a bag or as an extract (known as macha).